Source: Daily_Mail
England stars blast Wembley pitch as Upson blames turf for Egypt goal
England defender Matthew Upson blamed the Wembley playing surface for his slipwhich let in Egypt to stun the home crowd last night.[LNB]Two goals in the second half from Peter Crouch and one from Shaun Wright-Phillips meant England recovered to win 3-1 in the friendly international.[LNB]But Upson and senior stars including Chelsea's Frank Lampard were critical of the state of the pitch, following similar complaints expressed by players after Sunday's Carling Cup Final.[LNB] Life's a pitch: Upson blamed his slip, leading to Egypt's goal, on the Wembley turf[LNB]Upson lost his footing to allow Mohamed Zidan the space to place a fine shot past Robert Green after 23 minutes.[LNB] Crouch at the double but has he done enough to be a World Cup starter?MARTIN SAMUEL: Terry wins over the England fans as nobody does it betterEngland 3 Egypt 1: Crouch stakes his claim, but Capello still has problems 'Was the Egypt goal down to the pitch? I'd like to think so. I had the usual boots on, long studs, and the pitch just went from underneath my feet.[LNB]'It is a bit disappointing. When I first walked on the pitch, it was quite firm, which I was pleased with.[LNB]'But it just gave way, and cut up a bit, once you put a bit of force down on it.'[LNB]Midfielder Lampard said: 'I think the pitch was definitely the reason why Upson slipped.[LNB]Critical: Frank Lampard has called for a new surface[LNB]'It kept giving way below you, was very soft underneath, and it should be better, it's as simple as that.[LNB]'Everyone is commenting on it and Wembley should be better than that. What could be done? They could change the pitch maybe!'[LNB]Goalkeeper, and Upson's West Ham colleague, Green added: 'It wasn't the easiest pitch. It showed with the goal.[LNB]'Matthew has had the rug pulled out from under his feet and it is disappointing for him.[LNB]'But it is inevitable and it is something you deal with. A problem is a problem if you let it affect you.[LNB]'It is a difficulty but that's life. You either let it affect you or you don't.'[LNB] Crouch at the double but has he done enough to be a World Cup starter?MARTIN SAMUEL: Terry wins over the England fans as nobody does it betterEngland 3 Egypt 1: Crouch stakes his claim, but Capello still has problems [LNB] Explore more:People:Robert Green, Matthew Upson, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Peter Crouch, Frank LampardPlaces:United Kingdom, Egypt
